CRA first telecommunications regulator in the region to assign radio spectrum frequencies for Public Protection and Disaster Relief applications
Doha: World Radio Day marks the anniversary of the first broadcast by United Nations Radio in 1946, when it transmitted its first call sign: "This is the United Nations calling the peoples of the world." Celebrated globally, World Radio Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of radio, facilitate access to information through radio, and enhance networking among broadcasters.
Radio plays a vital role in emergency situations where it is used by emergency and security services to communicate in times when immediate assistance is required. Radio is also an effective low-cost medium to broadcast emergency news and updates, available everywhere and suitable to reach remote communities and vulnerable people such as the illiterate.
The UNESCO theme for Word Radio Day this year is "Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster," as radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief. To mark this international day and to align with the theme of the year, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has taken a leading role in managing the radio-frequency spectrum for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR).
At the International Telecommunications Union's (ITU's) World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in Geneva last year, the importance of bringing World Radio Day to the attention of the public was highlighted. CRA, as part of the Qatar Delegation, was one of the biggest supporting organizations during the WRC-15 for the adoption of a resolution to recognize the spectrum requirements for different types of Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) applications in line with the theme of World Radio Day 2016.
Qatar as already achieved many PPDR targets. CRA is the first telecommunications regulator in the region to assign the required radio spectrum frequencies for certain PPDR applications in coordination with the relevant governmental entities, especially the Ministry of Interior. Qatar is also the first GCC country to deploy the narrowband (Tetra Security System) and wideband (LTE Security System) PPDR applications.
As Qatar's communications regulator, CRA's mandate includes the management of the radio spectrum, which is carefully regulated as a scarce resource to ensure all public and commercial demands, including those relating to PPDR, operate effectively.
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is the communications regulator in the state of Qatar established by virtue of Emiri Decree (42) in 2014. CRA regulates the communications & information technology sector, postal services, and access to digital media. CRA uses its regulatory powers mandated by the Emiri decree to protect consumer rights, ensure competition, manage the resolution of disputes, and manage the electromagnetic spectrum. In all its activities, the CRA seeks to ensure the provision of advanced, innovative and reliable ICT and postal services across the state of Qatar.
For more information please visit: cra.gov.qa/en
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For inquiries:
Anirudh Sharma, Public Relations & Communications Section Head
Telephone: +974 4499 4659
Mobile: +974 5563 6960
Email: asharma@cra.gov.qa
© Press Release 2016
